If you have diabetes, self-testing your blood sugar (blood glucose) can be an important tool in managing your treatment plan and preventing long-term complications of diabetes. You can test your blood sugar at home with a portable electronic device (glucose meter) that measures sugar level in a small drop of your blood.

Understand how other factors, such as illness or stress, affect blood sugar levels

Monitor the effect of diabetes medications on blood sugar levels

Identify blood sugar levels that are high or low

Your doctor will advise you on how often you should check your blood sugar level. In general, the frequency of testing depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan.

Type 1 diabetes. Your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing four to eight times a day if you have type 1 diabetes. You may need to test before meals and snacks, before and after exercise, before bed, and occasionally during the night. You may also need to check your blood sugar level more often if you are ill, change your daily routine or begin a new medication.

Type 2 diabetes. If you take insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing two or more times a day, depending on the type and amount of insulin you need. Testing is usually recommended before meals, and sometimes before bedtime. If you manage type 2 diabetes with noninsulin medications or with diet and exercise alone, you may not need to test your blood sugar daily.

Your doctor will set target blood sugar test results based on several factors, including:

Type and severity of diabetes

Age

How long you've had diabetes

Pregnancy status

The presence of diabetes complications

Overall health and the presence of other medical conditions

For many people who have diabetes, Mayo Clinic generally recommends target blood sugar levels that are:

Between 80 and 120 millgrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for people age 59 and younger who have no other underlying medical conditions

Between 100 and 140 mg/dL for people age 60 and older, or those who have other medical conditions, such as heart, lung or kidney disease

Blood sugar testing requires the use of a small electronic device called a glucose meter. The meter reads the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood, usually from your fingertip, that you place on a disposable test strip. Your doctor or diabetes educator can recommend an appropriate device for you.

Your doctor or diabetes educator can also help you learn how to use a meter.

Follow the instructions that come with your glucose meter. In general, here's how the process works:

Wash and dry your hands well.

Insert a test strip into your meter.

Prick the side of your fingertip with the needle (lancet) provided with your test kit.

Gently squeeze or massage your finger until a drop of blood forms.

Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.

The meter will display your blood glucose level on a screen after a few seconds.

If your meter can test blood taken from an alternate site, such as the forearm or palm, it's important to understand that these readings may not be as accurate as readings from the fingertips, especially after a meal or during exercise when glucose levels change more frequently.

Each time you test your blood sugar, log the results. Record the date, time, test results, medication and dosage, and diet and exercise information. Bring your record of results with you to all appointments with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about what to do and when to call when you get results that don't fall within the normal range of your target goals.

Blood sugar meters need to be used and maintained properly. Follow these tips to ensure proper usage:

Follow the user manual for your device — procedures may vary from one device to another.

Use a blood sample size as directed in the manual.

Use only test strips designed for your meter.

Store test strips as directed.

Don't use expired test strips.

Clean the device and run quality-control checks as directed.

Bring the meter to your doctor appointments to address any questions and to demonstrate how you use your meter.

Common problems with the use of glucose meters. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/TipsandArticlesonDeviceSafety/ucm109449.htm. Accessed Nov. 20, 2014.

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